CALL 13 19 01

Frequently Asked Questions

Recruitment Process

Am I reimbursed for my costs during the Interview process?

Candidates may be eligible for pre-paid or reimbursed 'out of pocket' expenses associated with attendance at Defence Force Recruiting Centres. These expenses may include costs for travel, accommodation and meals. Loss of salary may also be reimbursed under certain circumstances. To ascertain your eligibility for reimbursement of expenses ask your Defence Force Recruiter.

Can I speak with a member of the Navy, Army or Air Force to find out more about ADF jobs or what it’s like to be in the ADF?

If you would like to find out more about your career options, and meet active serving members of the Navy, Army or Air Force, we recommend that come to an Information Session (parents are also welcome). An active serving member of the Navy, Army or Air Force is always present at an Information Session and you will be encouraged to ask any questions you may have. You can book for a meeting session online through My H.Q. or by calling 13 19 01.

How long does it take my application to be processed before I will be required to attend a test day? How long does it take after that before I get enlisted?

Generally, all applicants will attend a test day within 2 months of the application being received. However, this may vary depending on the number and type of applications being processed by Defence. If you want to track your progress, log on to My H.Q. You can now monitor your application status with the My H.Q. Progress indicator. For further information on when you can expect to be enlisted, you should speak to your Defence Recruiter.

How long is basic training?

Basic training is different for each of the Services. Recruit training varies from 4 to 11 weeks for General Entry jobs and initial Officer training varies from 4 weeks to 18 months depending upon the avenue of entry. The length of recruit training for each avenue of entry is available on each job page.

How long is the recruit course?

Recruit training varies from 4 to 11 weeks for General Entry jobs. Initial Officer training varies from 4 weeks to 18 months depending upon the avenue of entry. The length of recruit training for each avenue of entry is available on each job page on Careers Explorer.

I don’t know what job would be suitable for me?

If you do not know what it is you are looking for in a job, or you are looking for other options, please try the "What Careers may interest me?" feature.

By providing answers questions about your personality, we can begin to understand more about you. From the information you provide, the site will build a list of jobs that you may find suitable. This feature is designed to you with career alternatives that we feel may be appropriate for you, and can be helpful in providing alternatives that you may not have previously considered.

I have been to an Information Session, what do I do next?

The final step in the online application process is to book a YOU Session from My H.Q. Since you have already attended an Information Session, you should book a YOU Session if one is available. YOU Sessions are a required step in the application process. Once you have booked your YOU Session online, your information will migrate across to our candidate management system and be accessible to the Defence Recruiters.

I would like to organise Defence to visit our school. Who do I need to contact?

School visits are conducted by our Career Promotion Teams.

New South Wales / Australian Capital Territory CPTNSW@dfr.com.au
Tasmania CPTTAS@dfr.com.au
Victoria CPTVIC@dfr.com.au
South Australia CPTSA@dfr.com.au
Southern Queensland CPTQLD@dfr.com.au
Northern Territory CPTNT@dfr.com.au
Northern Queensland CPTNQLD@dfr.com.au
Western Australia CPTWA@dfr.com.au

Is there another way to send recruiting questions if we are unable to call or prefer to email?

You may send general enquiries to our operators via the Contact Form. The My H.Q. feedback form provides the option of selecting General Enquiries or Technical Difficulties, please select the appropriate options and Defence Force Recruiting will respond to your enquiry.

Once I’ve applied online, what happens next?

You will be given the choice of booking into an Information Seminar or a YOU Session held at your local Defence Force Recruiting Centre. The Information Seminar is a presentation that gives you a deeper understanding of the various positions within the Defence Force. A YOU Session is the second step of the application process in which you will undergo aptitude testing, initial medical screening and Job Options counselling.

What does the recruitment process involve?

The typical application process includes two separate visits to a recruiting centre. At the first session, you will identify which of the hundreds of ADF jobs you wish to apply for and are eligible for through an aptitude test and discussion with a Defence Recruiter. You will also have a basic medical history review. On the second visit, you will be required to have more comprehensive interviews with a doctor, psychologist and senior ADF member. If recommended to progress by the senior ADF member (Defence Interviewer), Officer Entry candidates will also have to sit an Officer Selection Board, which is like a formal job interview. Contact a Defence Recruiter to assist you with all your enquiries.

What should I bring when I am attending my interview with a Defence Recruiter?

When attending a JOES day, you will need to bring along with you original or certified true copies of the following documents:

  • full birth certificate
  • education Certificates (ALL since year 9)
  • Certificate of Previous ADF service (If applicable)
  • citizenship details
    • v2 written references
  • trade or TAFE certificates
  • tertiary reports
  • marriage certificates
  • divorce papers or change of name declaration
  • original previous military service records (if applicable)
  • photo ID.

Where do I find information for a particular job?

Detailed information on every job is located under the Jobs section under Navy, Army and Air Force.


Defence Jobs Call 13 19 01